Getting serious
Fionn Whitehead admits feeling ‘overwhelmed’ by role in Dunkirk
Fionn Whitehead LOS ANGELES isn’t an absolute beginner as an actor.
Before his co-starring role in Christopher Nolan’s epic war movie Dunkirk, he played a telekinetic teen in the three-part ITV series Him. After Dunkirk, Whitehead starred opposite Emma Thompson and Stanley Tucci in the film version of Ian McEwan’s novel The Children Act, set for an upcoming release.
There’s no doubt, however, Whitehead was thrilled, and a little intimidated, to be a part of the Nolan production defining a pivotal time in the Second World War when nearly 400,000 British, Canadian and French troops were evacuated from the beach at Dunkirk, France, by a fleet of civilian vessels from England.
The 20-year-old talked about working with writer-director Nolan and acting opposite pop star Harry Styles.
Was it a difficult audition process?
It was rigorous. I think Chris (Nolan) wanted to be very sure we were right for the roles. It’s Chris’ neck on the line at the end of the day. He takes all the responsibility so I understood that.
Many of your scenes are with Styles. Did you worry that his pop star status would be a distraction?
We had lots of auditions together so I knew he was doing the movie for all the right reasons. There’s been talk about this (distraction) thing but I don’t think Chris would have hired Harry if he wasn’t right for the part.
Was it odd making your movie debut in such a massive production?
I was really overwhelmed at times. It really was surreal. I had days of disbelief when I would see all the extras at the real Dunkirk beach and then the Spitfires would fly over head.
Were you aware of what Dunkirk meant to Britain?
We all grew up knowing about Dunkirk and the gravity of it and the seriousness of it. Dunkirk shaped our world as we know it and that’s not lost on any of us.
Did you enjoy acting under the direction of Nolan?
He constructs these worlds around you and you really don’t need a lot of imagination. You aren’t really acting. You are reacting to what’s around you. Chris is such a master and I felt very safe in his hands.
Was it an intense experience?
Chris really captures the sense of chaos and the desperation of a situation. It was insane to be a part of recapturing it.
Did you try to help Styles, who has never acted before?
Harry didn’t need help. He’s a very hard worker and he was always ready to do what was needed. It really was a pleasure to work with him.
What did think of the Dunkirk movie after Nolan screened it for you?
If you know Chris and you know his films, you already have that to think about. But it still surprised me when I saw the finished film. It’s relentless.